Fakhar Zaman ruled out of ICC Champions Trophy 2025
Pakistan is facing a significant setback in their attempt to defend their Champions Trophy title, as opener Fakhar Zaman has been ruled out for the remainder of the tournament due to an oblique injury. The injury occurred during fielding in the first over of New Zealand’s innings when Zaman fell awkwardly. He returned to play after a medical assessment but ultimately had to leave the field again, leading to concerns about his overall fitness and condition.
Imam-ul-Haq Joins Pakistan Squad for Champions Trophy 2025
Imam-ul-Haq, a talented 29-year-old cricketer, has been called up to join the Pakistan squad for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, stepping in as a replacement for Fakhar Zaman, who has been sidelined due to an oblique injury.
The Event Technical Committee of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 officially announced Imam’s inclusion, noting that his position in the team was approved following the event’s regulations, which require such approval for any replacements. Imam has previously showcased his skills on the international stage, having represented Pakistan in a total of 72 One-Day Internationals (ODIs), where he has made significant contributions to the team.
Grateful for the Chance to Represent Pakistan
In a heartfelt message shared on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, Imam expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to represent his country. He stated, “Playing for Pakistan on such a prestigious platform is not just an honor but also a dream for every cricketer in our nation. I feel privileged to have donned the national jersey multiple times with immense pride. While missing out on the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is disappointing due to circumstances beyond my control, I firmly believe that Allah is the ultimate planner.”
Imam’s commitment to his teammates and country shines through in his words, as he gears up to contribute to Pakistan’s campaign in the tournament.
PCB Confirms Fakhar Zaman’s Absence for Dubai Clash
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially announced that Fakhar Zaman will not be traveling with the team to Dubai for their upcoming match against India scheduled for February 23. The PCB stated, “Fakhar Zaman is not traveling with the side to Dubai. The ICC will make further announcements in due course.”
In related news, New Zealand showcased an impressive performance in their recent match, demonstrating strong batting skills followed by a strategic bowling effort. They outperformed Pakistan by 60 runs in the opening match of the Champions Trophy, held at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi.
Defending Champions Suffer a Disappointing Defeat
The defending champions faced a disappointing defeat in every aspect of the game, much to the dismay of a packed stadium that included the President of Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari, among the spectators. In their innings, they struggled significantly and were all out for a total of 260 runs within 47.2 overs. As they began their chase of the daunting 321-run target, Pakistan encountered a rocky start.
They were compelled to send Saud Shakeel to open the batting alongside the ever-reliable Babar Azam, due to a delay of 20 minutes caused by Fakhar Zaman’s absence from the field; he was sidelined with a spasm that hindered his ability to contribute early in the innings. This unexpected adjustment added an element of uncertainty to Pakistan’s pursuit of victory.
Michael Bracewell Dismisses Fakhar, Adding to Pakistan’s Troubles
In a gripping match, Black Caps fast bowler O’Rourke made an early impact by dismissing Saud Shakeel for just 6 runs. Pakistan’s captain, Mohammad Rizwan, quickly followed suit after scoring only 3 runs, falling to a spectacular catch by Glenn Phillips. This left Pakistan struggling at 22 for 2 after 10 overs.
Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman then sought to stabilize the innings, putting together a cautious 47-run partnership for the fourth wicket. However, Fakhar, hindered by a back spasm, managed only 24 runs off 41 balls before being bowled by Michael Bracewell, further deepening Pakistan’s woes.
Conclusion
Pakistan’s ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign has taken a major hit with the loss of Fakhar Zaman due to injury. His absence affected the team’s performance in the opening match, leading to a disappointing defeat against New Zealand. However, Imam-ul-Haq’s inclusion offers hope as Pakistan looks to bounce back in the tournament. With crucial matches ahead, the team will need to regroup, improve their performance, and overcome setbacks to keep their title defense alive. Fans will be hoping for a strong response when Pakistan faces India in their next match in Dubai.
